Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 11 Chapter 13:1-11

Book 11: Chapter 13

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 13: Verses 1-11

The glorious Lord began again : Sattva, Rajas and Tamas-these are the modes of Buddhi (Prakrti) and not of the Self. By (developing) the quality of Sattva (therefore) one should control (the operation of) the other two (viz., Rajas and Tamas) and (then) Sattva itself (in the shape of Sattvika virtues like truthfulness and compassion) by Sattva (in the form of quietism). As a result of Sattva grown predominant appears in man the virtue bearing the label of Devotion to Me. Sattva develops through the use of Sattvika things and thence proceeds righteousness (in the form of Devotion). Righteousness (in the form of Devotion), which contributes to the predominance of Sattva and which is (therefore) the superlative virtue, curbs (the element of) Rajas and Tamas; and, when both these are subdued, unrighteousness, which has its root in these latter, soon disappears as a matter of course. Scripture, water, the people (environment), place (surroundings), time, occupation and birth, (the object of) contemplation, Mantra (spell) and purificatory rites-these ten are contributory to the growth of a particular Guna Of these (latter) whatever men of mature judgment speak approvingly of is unquestionably Sattvika; that which they condemn is Tamasika and that which is looked upon by them with indifference is Rajasika. For the predominance of Sattva a man should make use of Sattvika things alone. Thence will proceed righteousness (in the form of Devotion) and thence (again) will follow (the light of) wisdom culminating in Self-Realization and the extinction of darkness (in the form of the two bodies and their ultimate cause, (viz., the three Gunas). The fire produced by the attrition of bamboo stalks subsides after consuming that thicket (by its flames); so the body born of unevenness of the (three) Gunas (modes of Prakrti) and behaving like the (said) fire, ceases to be.Uddhava submitted : Men generally know the pleasures of sense to be the source of calamities; how is it (then) that, like the dog, the donkey and the goat, they still (doggedly pursue and) enjoy them, 0 Krsna ? The glorious Lord replied : The perverted notion of "I" (with reference to the body etc.) duly springs up in the heart of the deluded soul; due to such notion Rajas, which is the root of sorrow, pervades the mind, even though the latter is born of Sattva. In the mind, coloured with Rajas, of a man of perverted judgment springs up (first of all) the notion about an object being worth enjoying and (then) as to how it can be enjoyed. Next arises in him, as a result of his dwelling on the excellent aspects of that object, a passion for it which is indeed difficult to arrest. Having no control over his senses and overpowered by desire, the man embarks upon actions attended with sorrow) though clearly perceiving them to be such, deluded as he is by the impetuosity of Rajas.

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